We have a dedicated and committed core team of teaching staff. Staff are supported by external specialist teachers in various fields depending on the topic the children are learning.

Meet our staff

Donna Milford – Headteacher

I have been the Head teacher at Ellwood Community Primary School, in the Forest of Dean, for the past 9 years. I am currently supporting Ashleworth CoE Primary School and Churcham Primary for the Autumn Term 2024 until the new substantive Head Teachers starts in January 2025. Prior to this I worked in a range of schools: a large city school, numerous smaller rural schools and have spent many years working in local forest schools. I have over 25 years experience working in primary schools with all age ranges and abilities. I have extensive knowledge in SEND and inclusion. I am passionate about ensuring that all children are happy, feel safe and achieve their full potential, socially, emotionally and academically.

Tina Birch – Finance Administrator
I have worked at Churcham since 2008 and I’m based in the office. If you visit or telephone the school, I will be the first person you meet. When I’m not at school, I enjoy listening to music and going out with my friends to listen to bands. I own and love my 2 Vespa Scooters.

Richelle Daniels – SENDCO 

I started my journey as a class teacher teaching Reception and Key Stage One before moving into my current role as SENCo. I enjoy my SENCo role as I get the opportunity to work with children across the school and provide individual support to the children and parents. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and friends.

Emma Shakespeare – Class 1 Teacher (YR/KS1)
I teach in Class 1 on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  I lead English and the Early Years at Churcham and Ashleworth.  I really enjoy teaching the same group of children for 3 years because I get to see the children make so much progress over this time.  I also see the children grow in confidence/mature over the 3 years.  My favourite part of the day is story time and the children always get so involved in our story sessions!   When I'm not at school, I love spending time with my family - we often go for walks and bike rides in the local area.  I also enjoy running and I play netball for a team.

Jane Shaw – Class 1 Teacher (YR/KS1)
I am an EYFS / KS1 teacher and Science Lead at Churcham Primary School. This is my second Year at Churcham and I love the family spirit and warm, welcoming community for the children, parents and staff. Outside of school life, I love to spend time with my family and friends, bake lots of delicious cakes, and walk my three dogs. 

Esther Deackes – Class 2 Teacher (Y5/6)
(maternity leave)
I am a KS2 teacher at Churcham Primary School (Years 5 & 6). I am the subject leader of Computing and Mathematics; two subjects which I really enjoy. As well as a subject leader, I am the Safeguarding Lead and staff governor. I've been at Churcham Primary School since the start of my teaching career and I love the 'family feel' that Churcham offers. In my spare time I love to walk my dog (Rusco), go to the gym and spend quality time with my family. 

David Paterson - Class 2 Teacher

I have had the opportunity over my career to teach the whole age range of KS2 pupils and am delighted to be one of the Class 2 teachers here at Churcham. I will be leading History and Geography which are subjects which I'm passionate about (especially with my History degree!).  Outside of school, I'm a beleaguered father of three and an unrepentant geek. If my head isn't in a book, I'm probably playing an overly complex board game of some description. If the weather is nice you may also find me out and about walking in the Forest of Dean where we live.

Rebecca Dodd - Class 2 Teacher

I am thrilled to be a part of Churcham School where I will be one of the Key Stage 2 teachers and lead RE and PSHE. I have a wealth of experience across Key Stage 2 and I look forward to teaching and supporting the children who will be in my class. At home, you will often find me in my kitchen baking all sorts of sweet treats which will no doubt end up in school at some point. If I am not in the kitchen you'll find me spending time with my husband and mum or reading a book. 

Sophie Muirhead - Class 1 Teaching Assistant

Victoria Asher – Class 2 1:1 Teaching Assistant
I’m a KS1 teaching assistant at Churcham Primary School in class 1. I support the teachers in the classroom taking groups for subjects, teaching phonics, and doing one to one interventions. I've been at Churcham Primary School for 10 years. In my spare time I love to go for walks in the woods, spend time with my family, and go to the gym

Sharon Tippins – Class 2 Teaching Assistant and Midday Supervisor
I am a teaching assistant, Deputy Safeguarding Lead and Midiay Supervisor at Churcham Primary school. I have worked at Churcham for 18 years and love the family feel of the school. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends,

Kay Benton – Class 2 Teaching Assistant
I joined Churcham Primary school in January 2023 and work in Class 2 as a 1-1 Teaching Assistant. Outside of school I like to read and take my dog, Barney, for walks.